CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A transformative infrastructure project is taking shape that will soon turn weekend trips from Cagayan de Oro to Bukidnon's cool highlands into a comfortable two‑hour drive instead of a day‑long ordeal.
The Central Mindanao High Standard Highway (CMHSH)—a ₱145.56‑billion, 64.7‑kilometer four‑lane expressway—has secured full government funding from 2026 to 2034, with early‑stage engineering and design work already underway. Once completed, the new road will slash travel time between CDO and Malaybalay City from 6.5 hours to just 3.5 hours.
For tourism stakeholders across Northern Mindanao, that reduction is a game‑changer.
A First for Northern Mindanao
The highway is the first high‑standard toll road in the region, featuring five major interchanges and 47 bridges—nine of them long‑span structures. The route begins in Cagayan de Oro and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, then cuts through the municipalities of Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasugong, before reaching Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is financing the 12‑kilometer section within CDO, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports the remaining 53 kilometers. A ¥1.672‑billion (approximately ₱644 million) loan agreement was formalized in late March 2026 to fund detailed design and preparatory works.
From Long Haul to Easy Day Trip
Today, the drive from Cagayan de Oro to Bukidnon’s most popular attractions is a test of endurance. By the time a tourist reaches Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich—home to one of Asia’s longest zip lines—they have already spent hours on winding mountain roads. The new highway will cut that leg significantly, making Bukidnon’s eco‑destinations accessible for spontaneous weekend getaways.
“Improving connectivity between CDO and Bukidnon is a welcome development as we continuously revitalize Mindanao’s regional economy,” said DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Beyond Bukidnon: A Vision for the Future
The CMHSH is more than a point‑to‑point road. It forms part of a larger envisioned corridor linking Cagayan de Oro to Davao, integrating the economies of Northern and Southern Mindanao. For tourists, that means seamless travel from CDO’s whitewater rafting and heritage parks to Davao’s beaches and mountain resorts—all on high‑standard roads.
A Win for Local Livelihoods
Beyond convenience, the highway is expected to lower transportation costs, improve the mobility of goods, and stimulate growth in key sectors including agriculture, logistics, and tourism. Local farmers will reach markets faster, while small tourism enterprises in Bukidnon’s upland barangays can expect more visitors and steady income.
What This Means for Travelers
For Kagay‑anon tourists and international visitors alike, the CMHSH turns Bukidnon from a far‑off destination into an accessible backyard adventure. The target implementation period runs from 2026 to 2034, with early‑stage work now underway. While the asphalt has yet to be laid, the planning and funding are firmly in place.
Soon, the question won’t be whether to visit Bukidnon—but how many times you can go back.
